Billy Pickles
To excel in pickleball, it is imperative to familiarize yourself with the sport’s terminology. Understanding these terms not only improves communication on the court but also lays the foundation for playing like a pro.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of key pickleball terms, including equipment terminology, slang, and court positioning. By mastering these essential pickleball terms, you’ll enhance your overall gameplay and elevate your skills.
Key Pickleball Terms A-Z
Ace
An ace is a perfectly executed serve that the opponent fails to return, resulting in a point for the server.
Approach Shot
An approach shot involves hitting the pickleball while it is moving towards the net, aiming to gain a strategic advantage.
ATP (Around the Post)
An ATP (Around the Post) is a unique shot where the ball goes under the net and around the post, often used to surprise opponents.
Backhand Stroke
A backhand stroke involves hitting the ball with the non-dominant side of the paddle, with the back of the hand facing the net.
Backspin (Slice/Chop)
Backspin, also known as slice or chop, is a stroke that causes the ball to spin in the opposite direction it was initially heading, achieved by a high-to-low swing.
Carry Hit
A carry hit involves hitting the ball in one continuous motion, even if unintentionally hitting it twice (carrying). It is considered a fault if done intentionally.
Cross-court
Cross-court refers to hitting the ball diagonally to the opponent’s court.
Champion Shot
A champion shot is a shot that bounces in the non-volley zone twice, resulting in a point for the opposing team.
Dead Ball
A dead ball occurs when the ball is out of play after a fault is declared, often due to hitting a permanent object or a player causing a fault.
Dink Shot
A dink shot is an arc-like shot that clears the net and lands within the non-volley zone, aiming to place the ball strategically.
Double Bounce
Double bounce occurs when the pickleball bounces twice before being returned, resulting in a dead ball and a point for the serving team.
Erne
An erne is a maneuver where a player lunges over the corner and out of bounds to get closer to the net, attempting to smash the ball without breaking any rules.
Fault
A fault is a violation of the rules that results in gameplay being stopped and a point awarded to the opposing team.
First Serve
The first serve is the initial serve of the game or rotation until a fault occurs, allowing the server another attempt.
Flapjack
A flapjack involves hitting the ball while it’s in midair, without it bouncing on each side of the court. It is considered illegal and results in a fault.
Groundstroke
A groundstroke involves hitting the ball after it has bounced once, often used to regain control during a rally.
Golden Pickle
A golden pickle is a game in which the opposing team wins without losing a point, using only their first server. It is a rare and impressive feat.
Getting Pickled
Getting pickled occurs when a team loses without scoring any points, often due to the opponent’s exceptional skills.
Half Volley
A half volley involves making immediate contact with the ball after it has bounced off the court but before it reaches its potential height.
Hinder
A hinder is an occurrence that affects gameplay, such as interference caused by a player or an external object.
Head
The head is the section of the pickleball paddle above the handle, including the face.
Incorrect Position
Incorrect position refers to being in the wrong position during serve or play, which can result in a fault.
Joey
A joey involves hitting an ATP shot back to the opponent after they used an ATP shot, often used as a counter-attack strategy.
Kitchen
The kitchen is a slang term for the Non-Volley Zone, a 7-foot area on either side of the net where volleys are prohibited.
Kill Shot
A kill shot is a powerful shot made above the net to win a point, often executed with precision and speed.
Let
A let occurs when the ball hits the net after a serve and still lands in the service court, allowing for a re-serve.
Line Calls
Line calls involve determining whether the ball lands on any court line, with the rule considering it in if it touches the line.
Lob
A lob involves hitting the ball deep and high to make it difficult for the opponent to reach, often used as a defensive or strategic shot.
Midcourt
Midcourt is the area between the baseline and the non-volley zone, where players often position themselves to maintain control.
Nasty Nelson
A nasty nelson involves attempting to catch the opponent off-guard by hitting while they are unprepared to receive a serve, often resulting in an unreturned shot.
Non-Volley Zone
The non-volley zone is the 7-foot area on either side of the net where volleys are prohibited, also known as the “kitchen.”
Overhead Slam
An overhead slam is a powerful downward hit to return a high bounce or lob.
Open Face
Open face refers to holding the pickleball paddle with the face tilting up.
Passing Shot
A passing shot involves trying to prevent the return of the ball by hitting a groundstroke or volley play at a distance.
Paddy
Paddy is a slang term for a pickleball paddle.
Painting the Line
Painting the line involves executing a well-placed shot that lands right on the line.
Rally Score System
The rally score system is the scoring system in pickleball, where points can be won on every serve.
Ready Position
Ready position refers to being in the ideal position to receive and return the ball.
Serve
A serve is an underhand stroke used to start pickleball play, which must make contact with the ball below the waist to be valid.
Service Court
The service court is the area defined by the baseline, sideline, and centerline of the court, excluding the non-volley zone.
Technical Foul
A technical foul occurs when a point is awarded to a team after the opposing team violates a rule outside of the standard faults caused during play, often due to unsportsmanlike behavior or foul language.
Third Shot Drop
A third shot drop is a shot aimed close to the baseline and returned to land in the opponent’s non-volley zone.
Truck Driver
Truck driver refers to a score of 10-4.
Unattackable Ball
An unattackable ball is a shot that is below the top of the net and does not bounce high enough for the opponent to attack or return.
Volley
A volley is a shot hit in mid-air during a rally before the ball touches the ground.
Volley Llama
A volley llama is an illegal play where a player hits a volley shot in the non-volley zone.
Zero-Zero
Zero-zero is the starting score in pickleball.
Conclusion
Mastering pickleball terminology is essential for effective communication and optimal gameplay. By understanding these key terms, you’ll enhance your ability to strategize, make precise shots, and engage in competitive matches. Remember to practice these terms on and off the court to improve your overall performance. Happy pickleball playing!
FAQ
Q. What is an ATP shot in pickleball?
An ATP (Around the Post) shot is a unique shot where the ball goes under the net and around the post, often used to surprise opponents.
Q. What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The kitchen is a slang term for the Non-Volley Zone, a 7-foot area on either side of the net where volleys are prohibited.
Q. What is a dink shot in pickleball?
A dink shot is an arc-like shot that clears the net and lands within the non-volley zone, aiming to place the ball strategically.
Q. What does it mean to get pickled in pickleball?
Getting pickled occurs when a team loses without scoring any points, often due to the opponent’s exceptional skills.
Q. What is a golden pickle in pickleball?
A golden pickle is a game in which the opposing team wins without losing a point, using only their first server. It is a rare and impressive feat.
